PANASONIC LAUNCHES VALUE VERSION OF ITS 7 INCH RUGGED TABLET

An affordable and more flexible replacement for ageing business PDA’s

BRACKNELL, UK. 1ST APRIL 2014

Panasonic today announced a Value version of its 7” fanless Fully-rugged Windows tablet, the Toughpad FZ-M1. Ideal for industry sectors using light applications and looking to replace their ageing business PDA’s, this Value version with its energy efficient and mobility-designed Intel® Celeron® Processor is an affordable and more flexible mobile solution.

“This latest Value version of the Toughpad FZ-M1 is the perfect replacement for mobile workers with business PDA’s in industries such as transport, logistics, warehousing, hospitality and public safety,” said Jan Kaempfer, Head of European Marketing, at Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “This product is a latest example of our approach to develop a range of flexible mobile devices that can be optimised for different business and mobile worker needs.”

The Toughpad FZ-M1 Value device is powered by the latest generation Intel® Celeron® Processor. The dual core Intel® Celeron® N2807 Processor was carefully selected for its high performance, combined with efficient power use and specialist design for mobile devices. It also ensures heat generation is kept to a minimum for the Toughpad tablet’s fanless design.

“The new Intel® Celeron® Processor Series offers outstanding performance, long battery life and great user experiences and enhances how people can use their devices.” said Maurizio Riva, MNCs Sales Director of Intel® EMEA. “By using this new SoC, Panasonic’s new tablet will provide a great mobile computing experience to its users”.The Toughpad FZ-M1 Value tablet comes with 2GB RAM (4GB optional) and 128GB SSD and is equipped with the Windows 8.1 operating system.

Weighing in at just 540g, and 18mm thin, the Toughpad FZ-M1 is also highly flexible with its configuration ports and its integrated business expansion module. The device can be configured exactly for the needs of the business and transformed from a tablet into a mobile tool for vertical applications. Configurable integrated options include 4G mobile broadband, GPS and vehicle pass through antenna. The integrated business expansion module options include True Serial, LAN, NFC, Smartcard Reader, 1D/2D Barcode Reader, UHF RFID and battery hot swap capabilities. As standard, the Toughpad FZ-M1 includes a full size USB 3.0, Micro SD, Headset, DC-In and microSIM.

Small but no less ruggedThe Toughpad family meets similar durability standards to Panasonic’s Fully Rugged Toughbook product line. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is drop tested to 150cm as well as having an IP65 ingress protection rating for resistance to dust and water and it will operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -10 to +50°C.

Long battery life and hot swap optionWith built-in battery saving technology such as its ambient light sensor, the Toughpad FZ-M1 can operate for 8.0 hours on its replaceable battery on 2.5 hour charge time. For those who need to work longer, a hot swappable battery set-up can be established using the configurable port options.

Cameras and comms to suitFor users needing live video conference or capture photographic images of documentation in the field, the FZ-M1 is equipped with a 2 megapixel front web camera with stereo mic and 5 megapixel rear camera. An additional 8 megapixel rear camera is also available as an option.

Built for today but with the future in mind, the Toughpad FZ-M1 is optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes the optional Gobi 5000 module for 4G/LTE downwards, as well as Bluetooth® v4.0 and Wireless LAN. The optional dual pass through antenna connector enables wireless connectivity to be routed through to vehicle docks for enhanced and more stable wireless performance. Using the desktop cradle accessory the FZ-M1 has the flexibility to become a full desktop replacement.

Accessories to get the best from your ToughpadTo ensure mobile workers can make the best of their Toughpad FZ-M1, a full array of purpose built accessories will be available at launch including desktop cradle, vehicle dock, multi battery charger, shoulder, hand and rotate straps, carry cases and a passive pen.

Launched simultaneously at SITL, the international trade show for transport and logistics in Paris, France; and the British APCO public safety show in Manchester, UK; the Value version will be available from June 2014 with a recommended retail price of £739.00 +VAT.

About Panasonic System Communications Company Europe (PSCEU)PSCEU is the European branch of Panasonic Systems Communications Company, the global B2B division of Panasonic. PSCEU’s goal is to improve the working lives of business professionals and help their organizations efficiency and performance. We help organizations capture, compute and communicate all sorts of information: image, voice, and textual data. Products include PBX telephone switches, document printers, professional cameras, projectors, large visual displays and rugged mobile PCs. With around 500 staff, engineering design expertise, global project management capability and a large European partner network, PSCEU offers unrivalled capability in its markets.

The new PSCEU is made up of four business divisions:• Communication Solutions including professional scanners, multifunctional printers, telephony systems and HD video conferencing systems.• Visual System Solutions including projectors, interactive whiteboards, presentation aids and displays. Panasonicis the European market leader in projectors with 28% revenue share.• Professional Camera Solutions including professional audio visual, security and industrial medical vision (IMV) technology. Panasonic is one of the top two professional camera vendors in Europe.• Computer Product Solutions including the Toughbook range of rugged notebooks, Toughpad business tablets and electronic point of sales (EPOS) systems. Panasonic Toughbook had 63.3% unit share of the European rugged and durable notebook market and a 29.2 unit share of the rugged business tablet market in 2012 (VDC, March 2013).Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential, non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates over 500 consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.30 trillion yen (68 billion euros) for the year ended March 31, 2013. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company strives to create a better life and a better world for its customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the company's website at www.toughbook.eu

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